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James Hinchcliffe Expected to Make a Full Recovery

James Hinchcliffe is expected to make a full recovery following a harrowing and violent crash on Monday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A statement, released by IndyCar, confirms that the affable Canadian driver will not require additional procedures after a piece of the suspension punctured both of his legs.

“We’re very pleased with his progress and his condition continues to improve,” said Dr. Timothy Pohlman, Senior Staff Trauma Surgeon at IU Health Methodist Hospital, who performed the surgery. “Our expectation, in consultation with the IndyCar medical staff, is that a normal recovery is to be expected.”

Hinchcliffe was in intensive care as late as Tuesday night after his Monday crash at the venerable speedway. He was in critical condition upon arriving at IU Methodist Hospital on Monday and his life hung in the balance.

His Andretti Autosport teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay has said that his condition was “touch and go” at times. Hinchcliffe himself says he owes his life to the Holmatro Safety Crew that quickly removed him from the car and treated him on site.

“Words can’t describe how thankful I am to the Holmatro Safety Team,” Hinchcliffe said in the statement. “Those guys, in addition to the doctors and staff at the hospital, are my heroes. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the outpouring of support from IndyCar fans, my family and fellow drivers. We are all one big family and it feels like that today.”

The driver’s girlfriend, Kristen Dee, posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday that Hinchcliffe was awake and communicating. Dee said her boyfriend is “doing amazingly.” The post also thanked fans for their support.

There is no timetable for his return and no replacement driver has been named by Schmidt Peterson Racing. Hinchcliffe is not expected to return to the seat this season.

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